Suture



Patented Dec. 31, 1929 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CASSIUS H. WATSON, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR 'IO DAVIS & GECK, INC., OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, .A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK SUTURE No Drawing.

This invention is an improvement in sutures, and more particularly in dermal sutures, that is those primarily designed for use in closing skin cuts.

Sutures designed for closing skin cuts need not be capable of absorption, since the stitches may be removed at the proper stage of healing. It is desirable however, that the sutures be waterproof, bacterio-static and of a character such that the thread does not ravel, and firm knots may be tied therein without waxing.

One of the primary objects of the present invention is the provision of a bacterio-static noncapillary suture, of a nature such that it slips easy through the tissues and enables the tying of a firm nonslipping knot.

Another object is the provision of a suture, water-proof, sufliciently flexible for the purpose, yet with sufiicient inherent stiffness to make the threading through the needle eye relatively easy.

With these and other objects in view the invention consists in the suture, and the method of making the same with such variations in size, material and proportions as are within the scope of the appended claims.

In the present embodiment of the-invention, the improved suture is composed of a strand, or a plurality of strands intertwisted to form a suture of the desired size, and the strands which are of spun fibrous material, such as silk or linen are made noncapillary, water-proof and bacterio-static, by treatment with a suitable aluminum salt, such as aluminum acetate, or the like.

In making the suture, the strand or strands are immersed in a bath of a suitable aluminum salt, as for instance aluminum acetate, for a few minutes, and are then sterilized in the usual manner. After drying, the strands are preferably stored in tubes of glass or the like, containing the usual sterilizing solution, or they may be stored in sterile germ proof envelopes, or in conventional sterile or nonsterile containers.

The improved sutures are especially designed for use in closing skin cuts, wherein it is not essential that the suture be absorbed. The relative stiffness of the strand makes the Serial No. 212,851.

threading of the needle easy, and in use the strand easily may be drawn through the tissues and firmly knotted without waxing.

The sutures so treated are noncapillary as a whole, and the strands are waterproof. They are unchanged by the treatment, and the feel and finish of the strand is considerably improved, the tendency of the fibers to cling to the tissues, such as the skin, being greatly lessened.

lVhat is claimed as new is l. A. suture strand of fibrous material having incorporated in the fibers thereof an aluminum salt, and sterilized.

2. A suture of spun fibrous material composed of a plurality of intertwisted strands having incorporated in the fibers thereof an aluminum salt.

3. A suture strand of fibrous material having incorporated in the fibers thereof aluminum acetate, and sterilized.

4. The method of making sutures for sur gical use, which consists in immersing a strand of spun and intertwisted fibers in a bath of aluminum salt, sterilizing, and drymg.

5. The method of making sutures for surgical use, which consists in immersing a strand of spun and intertwisted fibers in a bath of aluminum acetate, and afterwards sterilizing.

6. A suture strand of fibrous material, such as silk, linen, or the like, having incorporated in the fibers thereof an aluminum salt, and sterilized.

Signed at New York city in the county of New York and State of New York this 13th day of May, A. D. 1927.

CASSIUS H. WATSON. 

